Europe Meets Russia (EMR) Weeklong Seminar on Cultural Diplomacy, Berlin, 4 - 10 July 2011

Europe Meets Russia: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR)
Weeklong Seminar on Cultural Diplomacy
Berlin, Germany
4 - 10 July 2011

Europe Meets Russia: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR) is an active network of young, dynamic, and influential people from across the world who have an interest in the European-Russian relationship. The program has been developed in recognition of the importance of the relationship between Russia, Europe, and the global political system.

Individuals can join the EMR Forum by taking part in one of the EMR Weeklong Seminars that are held in Berlin every 4-6 months. The goal of the EMR Weeklong Seminars is to train and prepare the participants to conducting their own activity in the future. Each EMR Weeklong Seminar will be focused on a specific theme related to European-Russian relations and the goals of the Forum. These Weeklong Seminars include lectures, seminars, and workshops led by experts from the fields of politics, academia, and civil society, as well as cultural and social activities. In addition to raising awareness amongst the participants of the field of cultural diplomacy and salient issues concerning European-Russian relations, the week provides an opportunity to network and experience Berlin.

Once they have joined the EMR Forum, members are supported by the ICD in organizing leadership initiatives, conducting academic research, and are invited to join the ICD Online Forum - enabling them to share information and communicate with likeminded individuals across the world.

Joining the Forum
Europe Meets Russia: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMR) is open to all individuals with an interest in international affairs in general, and the European Russian relations in particular. To join the forum you must take part in one of the EMR Weeklong Seminars, which will be held every 4-6 months in Berlin. The next EMR Weeklong Seminar will run from July 4th – 10th 2011.

Program Agenda
The Next EMR Weeklong Seminar will take place in Berlin from July 4th – 10th, 2011. In addition to looking in greater detail at the history and development of cultural diplomacy, the next EMR Weeklong Seminar will focus in particular on the following theme:

"Mutually Assured Dependence: European-Russian Relations in the 21st Century

The following issues will be mentioned and explored:
- Current state of affairs: European-Russian relations since 2000
- The possibilities of closer cooperation after the economic crisis in the scope of rising economies (Brasil, India, China)
- The role of culture in promoting dialogue between Russia and Europe: cultural exchange and influence
- Defining Europe's and Russia's 'sphere of influence': EU expansion, Russia's 'near abroad', the Eastern Partnership and other European neighbourhood policies
- The role of soft power and the strategies adopted by Russia and Europe in terms of foreign policy
- Energy security: mutual and opposing interests between Russia and European countries
- The effects of (digital) media, language and culture on Russian and European Relations
- Political and economic cooperation between Russia and European countries: the possibility of a common European policy (bilateral or multilateral agreements)
- European-Russian security interests: START, the European Security Treaty and Anti-ballistic Missiles
- Diverging perspectives on Europe's stance towards Russia: shared and opposing attitudes in Eastern and Western Europe
- A one way street? Russian-European cooperation on human rights, democracy and freedom of speech

Participation Cost
The participation cost for the program is 195 Euros. If offered a place in the program, applicants are then required to transfer the participation cost to reserve their position. The ICD is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization and the Participation Cost goes towards the cost of developing and running the program.

The participation cost for the Program includes:
- Program Components - Participation in all Programs' Components and Certification of Participation
- Berlin Excursions - Cultural and Social Excursions such as sightseeing, Guided Tours and visits to key Cultural Institutes and Exhibitions
- ICD House services - Free use of Wireless Internet at the ICD House, Information and Support Center and Cloak Room
- Refreshments - Unlimited Coffee, Tea, Water and Light Refreshments (Served throughout the day at the ICD House)
- Social Activities - Evening Social Activities such as Concerts and Live Performances, Film Evenings, Embassy Receptions, and Party Nights across Berlin

For further information, visit EMR website here